"Gangs of New York" – Plenty of Ambition, Not Enough Power by Homer Yen (c) 2002
If nothing else, "Gangs of New York" is a brilliant visualization of the chaos that swept through New York City during the turbulent zeitgeist of the mid-19th century. During the film, a key players notes that "NY is a furnace where a city may be someday forged." If that's true, then the various gangs and ethnic groups that populate it stoke the flames until it explodes into a blood-soaked explosion of anger and resentment.
It opens powerfully, recounting the historically noted gang fight of Five Points on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It introduces the rampant corruption within Tammany Hall that slowly unraveled the paper-thin semblance of order. It vividly brings to life the destructive Draft Riots in which the rioters were put down by Army troops and cannon fire from navy ships in the harbor. This is a period of history that, after viewing this film, makes you wonder how democracy and New York survived. And, this is immaculate movie making that begs to be watched.
The central character is Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio), a 20-something year old who has returned to his home of Five Points. Beneath that unkempt hair, dirty teeth, and brutish goatee, there is a scar that represents the loss that he suffered many years ago as a small lad during that infamous gang fight. There, his father (Liam Neeson), who so desperately tried to carve a niche for himself and his fellow Irish immigrants, was slain by fearsome Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis). Now, the son seeks revenge. However, much has changed and is almost recognizable.
The thriving gangs that once opposed Bill have now dissipated and the individuals that once loathed him have joined his camp. Even Amsterdam is lured to the spoils of Bill's camp. Our young, confused hero even gradually warms up to him. He becomes attracted to one of Bill's associates (Cameron Diaz). And, with The Butcher's savage yet eloquent philosophies on accomplishment, war and fear, Bill commands a certain respect whether you like him or hate him. Amsterdam reaches the point where it becomes questionable whether he'll be able to follow through on his promise.
In the outside world, the paradoxes continue. Democracy is replaced by the selfish powers of Tammany Hall that openly buy and sell votes for power and favor. When an official is elected but considered undesirable, he is mercilessly murdered in front of onlooker in broad daylight. And most odd, firefighters from each station house are gangs of their own who fend off other firefighters so that they can loot the buildings before they burn down.
The outside world, however, is far more interesting to watch. It is ambitious and really quite an achievement on several levels. There is far-reaching cinematic scope and the film sustains an atmosphere of tension like a boiling pot. At other times, the mood is melancholy and poignant.
What it lacks are strong central characters that can match the scope of the film and keep us attentive for the 165-minute duration. DiCaprio really doesn't seem tough enough to handle the kind of turmoil that he must negotiate. And while The Butcher character is memorable, smoke, gunfire, and general pandemonium mute the final showdown. To be a great leader in this era, might makes right. But it takes mighty characters to make a great story. Here, sadly, they become lost amid the dust and debris.
Grade: B-
S: 2 out of 3 L: 2 out of 3 V: 3 out of 3
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